Antiques Dealer
His childhood interests in art and architecture transferred well into an adult business, for which his continued studies earned the title of ‘expert’ in his chosen career.
FAMILY BACKGROUND
William Cook Bertolet (WB) was born in central Pennsylvania.
CHILDHOOD
As a young boy, WB was social, creative and energetic. He used opera music as a soundtrack for the handmade puppet shows he performed for his family.
FIRST PATH TOWARD A TRADE BUT CHANGED TO MORE EDUCATION
Interested in art and architecture and with a ‘feel’ for arrangement, WB nearly became a set designer after high school graduation. Instead, he applied to an academically selective school, Haverford College, earning a Bachelor’s degree in art history and architecture before continuing his education at Penn, earning a Master’s degree in those same specialties.
JOURNEY FROM INTEREST TO EXPERTISE
Fascinated throughout his life with shape, color, craftsmanship and tradition, WB commenced his working career at a well-known and reputable antiques sales business, Alfred Bullard Inc on Pine Street, in Philadelphia, an area well known for sales of antiques.
WB eventually bought the business from its retiring owner, thus continuing his eventual 50-year career buying and selling eighteenth and early nineteenth-century chairs, tables, cabinets, chests, desks, bureaus, sideboards, mirrors and other English furniture and accessories.
WB was known by colleagues and buyers for his meticulous research and deep knowledge of oak Welsh dressers, Regency sideboards and George III mahogany chests. His long list of discerning clients included classical pianist Vladimir Horowitz, financier David Rockefeller, tv host Oprah Winfrey, war hero, former Senator and Presidential candidate John Kerry and the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
He traveled the world for decades, selling from his collection and consulting with other experts at dozens of antique shows across the entire United States. He was featured at shows in London and was a fixture at the famous Winter Antiques Show at the Seventh Regiment Armory in Manhattan.
WB’s modest, three-story brick-front shop near the corner of 16th and Pine Streets was a destination for other serious buyers from around the world.
CAREER SATISFACTION
Philadelphia Inquirer antiques writer, Lita Solis-Cohen noted that WB was her ‘go-to expert evaluator.’ “He was one of the great gentlemen of the antiques trade, a great source for all people who liked English furniture,” she said.
WB also enjoyed archaeology, arranging to participate in several ‘digs’ in the Middle East and serve as a photographer on one trip to Egypt to view artifacts from the tomb of Tutankhamun.
“(WB)’s professional and social relationships meant a lot to him,” said his sister. “He was gentle, reserved and intellectual.”
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This career story is based on an obituary written by Gary Miles, published by the Philadelphia Inquirer on June 14, 2024.
